| Dear Friends,
One of the strongest themes of Thanksgiving is community. Regardless of where you find yourself during Thanksgiving, it is always a blessing to be able to spend it with other people. I love waking up Thanksgiving morning to hear all the activity and hubbub in the kitchen for that evening’s meal. It’s quite comforting. If we harken back to the original Thanksgiving of the early American settlers and the Native Americans, we see a celebration of community. Though the actual origins of Thanksgiving in America are still under debate, one of the longstanding traditions is that one of the earliest groups of settlers did not have enough food to survive winter. The Native Americans who were in the area came to the aid of the settlers by providing food and teaching them to farm, fish, and hunt. I can find few other stories that really exemplify community in this way. Instead of sending the hundreds of text messages or Facebook and Twitter updates wishing everyone in the world a “Happy Thanksgiving,” have actual conversations with real people and tell them yourself. Have a face-to-face conversation with someone - especially with someone you don’t always talk to. Community is one of the greatest themes we can focus on during Thanksgiving - well of course not just during Thanksgiving, but at any time of the year. Nevertheless use this holiday as an opportunity to start new or strengthen existing bonds of community in your life. Having strong bonds within the community helps us and gives us stability and support. Beginning this Thanksgiving - but not only during Thanksgiving - seek out community and be an inviting presence for someone who is seeking community. I hope and pray that you have a blessed Thanksgiving. Teji Abraham
General Treasurer, MGOCSM North America 
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